Trump Claims Putin Wants Ukraine Peace Deal More Than Zelenskyy as Kyiv Alleges Energy Ceasefire Violations

October 13, 2026

Washington, DC: US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was more interested in reaching a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His remarks came amid allegations from Kyiv that Moscow continued attacking Ukrainian energy infrastructure despite a proposed energy ceasefire.

Speaking to reporters before travelling to Ohio for a midterm election campaign rally, Trump said he would examine reports of ceasefire violations. He stressed that both sides had suffered heavy casualties and urged the two leaders to reach an agreement to end the conflict.

“I’m not sure about that, and we’ll take a look. But all I know is that Zelensky and Putin have to get together and end that ridiculous war. This month they lost 32,000 people in that war, and it’s ridiculous. So they have to get together and get it done,” Trump said.

Asked about reports of Russian strikes despite the proposed ceasefire, Trump said there had been violations on both sides and that he would look into the matter.

Trump Says Putin More Willing to Make a Deal

When a reporter pointed out that Russia and Ukraine had not both publicly confirmed an agreement to a ceasefire, Trump said the arrangement had been agreed to following his announcement.

“Well, they agreed. You know why? Because I said you agree. That’s why. They agreed because I said they agreed. And that thing has to get settled,” he said.

Trump reiterated that the war had caused significant casualties, claiming that 32,000 people, mostly soldiers, had been killed during the month.

On whether Putin and Zelenskyy supported the energy ceasefire proposal, Trump said he believed both leaders wanted an agreement but needed help reaching one.

“I think they both support it. I think they want to make a deal, but they don’t know how, but we’re going to get them to make a deal,” he said.

Asked whether he believed Putin was willing to negotiate despite continued Russian strikes, Trump added, “I think they’re going to make a deal. I think actually Putin wants to make a deal more than Zelensky.”

Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Attacking Kyiv Residential Building

Zelenskyy accused Russia of continuing its attacks on Ukraine despite the proposed energy ceasefire.

In a post on X on Monday, the Ukrainian President alleged that a Russian Shahed drone had struck a high-rise apartment building in Kyiv, killing two people and injuring nine others.

“The Russians continue their terror against our people, striking residential buildings and taking lives,” Zelenskyy said, expressing condolences to the families of those killed and noting that emergency responders had extinguished the fire.

He called for increased pressure on Moscow, alleging that Russia was continuing its attacks and prolonging the war. Zelenskyy also said Ukraine expected the United States to respond firmly to what he described as Russia’s signals.

In a separate post, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had not attacked Russian energy facilities the previous night in response to Trump’s announcement of an energy ceasefire. He accused Russia of striking Ukrainian gas stations, energy infrastructure and other facilities.

“I think it was Putin’s answer to President Trump. And the message from Russia was very clear – they don’t know anything about the energy ceasefire,” Zelenskyy said in remarks from an interview with Fox News.

He added that Ukraine was ready to guarantee the energy ceasefire and called on Russia to take corresponding steps.

EU Announces Fresh Sanctions Against Russia

The dispute over the proposed ceasefire comes as the European Union announced fresh sanctions targeting Russia’s military-industrial network and individuals linked to elections in occupied Ukrainian territories.

According to a European Council press release, the bloc adopted restrictive measures against 1,569 individuals and entities. The package included 826 Russian companies and 743 individuals serving as chief executive officers of those companies.

The latest measures brought the total number of listings under the EU sanctions regime supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity to nearly 4,600.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said sustained economic pressure on Moscow was necessary to help bring the war to an end. Zelenskyy welcomed the measures, describing them as a “right and necessary signal”.

Trump Defends Russian Diesel Supplies Amid Criticism

Trump also defended his decision to allow Russian diesel supplies, arguing that restricting energy supplies could have wider consequences for international markets.

Responding to criticism from Republicans, he said the United States produced substantial quantities of oil but that restrictions could significantly affect the rest of the world.

Trump said the United States could impose a cap on diesel supplies and reserve the fuel for domestic consumption, but warned that such a move would have a broader impact. He added that he supported arrangements that could benefit American farmers and ranchers.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that the European Union had paid Russia USD 250 billion for energy and accused media outlets of avoiding the issue.

“The European Union paid Russia 250 Billion Dollars for Energy, and the Fake News Media doesn’t want to get near that story,” he wrote.

Earlier on Friday, Trump said Russia would supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes immediately thereafter. He also referred to a further three million tonnes expected within a short period, depending on the condition of Russian diesel refineries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said proposed Russian oil and petroleum product supplies to the United States and global markets would have a positive effect on the world economy.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, energy supplies were discussed during a telephone conversation between Putin and Trump on Friday, which also covered Ukraine and Iran.

“In discussing the global energy situation, Russia reaffirmed its readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to the US and global markets. I am confident that this will have a positive impact on the entire global economy,” Putin said.

The competing claims over ceasefire compliance, continued attacks reported by Kyiv and fresh EU sanctions underline the challenges facing efforts to secure an agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war.